126 



ANNUAL REPORT OF THE 



Off. Doc. 



TEXAS FEVER 



There were two small outbreaks of Texas fever in the State during 

 the year. In both cases it was reeognized at once by the local veterin- 

 arians and llie diagnosis was confirmed by the lal)ovatory examina- 

 tion. The outbreak occurred in each instance in native cattle that 

 were shipped in cars that had carried Southern cattle. Evidently 

 the cars had not been sufficiently disinfected. 



Permits are given to certain slaughter houses in the State to handle 

 Southern cattle. No trouble has ever arisen from this custom. The 

 Federal, as well as State agents maintain a careful supervision over 

 the handling of Southern cattle. Before the cause and characteristics 

 of Texas fever were known, extensive losses were sustained each year 

 from this disease. It is easily controlled in Pennsylvania at the 

 present time. 



Counties Involved. 





a 



3 



Twelve, 



1,105 



41 



18 



CONTAGIOUS ABORTION 



Considerable work has been done during the year on this impor- 

 tant disease. The Director of the laboratory succeeded in isolating 

 the bacillus of Bang from an aborted foetus thus confirming the 

 prevailing suspicion that our dairy herds were afflicted with the 

 same form of contagious abortion that was studied and so minutel}' 

 described by Prof. Bang of Denmark, and whose work was confirmed 

 by the Eoyal Commission appointed by King Edward to study the 

 disease. Much more may be expected in reference to this disease 

 in the future. 



A large number of other diseases were reported during the year but 

 on investigation were found to be harmless or insignificant so far as 

 being a source of danger to other animals were concerned and are, 

 therefore, not reported. 



Eespectfully submitted, 



E. M. STALEY, 



Director.. 

 To C. J. Marshall, State Veterinarian. 



